The name Big Ben is really a nickname for the heaviest bell that chimes inside the clock tower. In 2012, this tower on the Thames, previously known as The Clock Tower, was renamed in honor of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. When people talk about Big Ben, they’re almost always referring to the entire tower, although the latter is officially called the Elizabeth Tower. We’ll miss your familiar chimes, Big Ben! This historic site is nevertheless worth a visit. We would also like to point out that, according to a parliamentary announcement, the clock will remain silent for the next four years. What about the Big Ben renovation?īig Ben has been undergoing restoration work since 2017, so if you’re planning on visiting London in the near future, you’ll find the tower covered in scaffolding. It has reportedly developed a tilt that increases by an average of around 0.04 inches per year, and the deviation from the perpendicular is now even visible to the naked eye.

However, its condition has suffered somewhat over the past ten years due to tunneling for the subway lines. This explains why Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament were both built in the neo-Gothic style of the mid-nineteenth century.įortunately, this object of national pride survived the wars.

The famous clock tower was erected as part of a new palace after the original Palace of Westminster was destroyed overnight by a fire in October 1834.

Big Ben – London’s Pride and Joy in 5 Questionsīig Ben – London’s Pride and Joy in 5 Questions 1.

Download elizabeth tower big ben